When faced with life’s unfairness, I find hope not by erasing it, but by using it as a reminder: I will age, suffer, and die too — so I choose to live fully, leaving my fears to Amida Buddha.
Shinran Shonin, the Buddhist teacher I deeply respect, once wrote:
“Our evil nature is hard to stop; our hearts are like snakes and scorpions.
Even our good deeds are tainted, so they are called false practices.”
Human goodness is always mixed with self-interest.
Even this very writing of mine — it’s partly for my own satisfaction, just to see how far I can express myself.
But this teaching comforts me.
Why? Because Shinran tells us outright that “it’s okay to have limits.” That, to me, is liberating.
Facing Harsh Realities
In nursing homes and hospitals, many elderly people live days that can only be described as a living hell.
Some might say, “Why can’t their families do more?” But reality has limits.
When dementia worsens, even the parent who raised you may lash out with anger or violence.
Holding on to love in such moments is not easy.
When aging or illness makes home care impossible, families have no choice but to rely on institutions.
No one is being cold-hearted on purpose, yet it often looks “mechanical” from the outside.
This is reality. It’s unfair.
Where to Find Hope
So, where can we find hope in such an unfair world?
For me, hope comes from using these realities as a reminder to reflect on how I live.
The suffering of the elderly, who seem trapped in a living hell, is also a warning to us:
“You will be like this someday.”
It’s frightening, yes. But it’s also a gift — a wake-up call.
We cannot erase life’s unfairness, but we can choose to use it as a reminder: How will I age? How will I die?
Entrusting and Living Fully
A verse from the Shōshinge (Hymn of True Faith) says:
“The Name of Amida is the right cause of enlightenment.
Entrusting ourselves in sincere faith, we will certainly attain Nirvana.”
So, I entrust my fears to Amida Buddha and live fully in this moment.
That is where I find hope.
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